Washington Redskins Bench RG3, Cousins Will Start

The Washington Redskins (3-11) have decided to sit RG3 this coming Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Instead, head coach Mike Shanahan will go with back up QB Kirk Cousins.

As reported by NFL.com, Redskins players were informed that Robert Griffin III will be declared “inactive” and Cousins will be named the starter. How long RG3 will be inactive remains to be seen. Shanahan hinted in a press conference on Monday that if RG3 was declared inactive, it would probably be for the rest of the season.

“The reason why I kind of left it up in the air about that after the game is that anytime you have 24 sacks in the last five games … you’ve got your franchise quarterback, and you want to make sure going into the offseason that he goes through a full offseason program,” he said. “And that’s why I didn’t say he [Griffin] was the starter. That’s just something in the back of my mind right now, and I’ll let you know in the next couple of days.”

There has been controversy swirling about the relationship between Mike Shanahan and owner Dan Snyder ever since RG3 went down with a knee injury at the end of last season. They have denied any such controversy, but all season there have been reports that Shanahan is not happy with the way Snyder interferes with the Washington Redskins affairs.

Last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, RG3, has struggled this season, completing 60 percent of passes for 3,203 yards for 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also has not looked nearly as mobile as last season.

Cousins was drafted in the fourth round by the Redskins in 2012 and started one game last season. He completed 26 of 37 attempts for 329 yards and two touchdowns in the Redskins’ 38-21 win over the Browns. Rex Grossman, 33, will back up Cousins. Grossman hasn’t played in the NFL since starting 13 games in 2011 for the Redskins.

Washington Redskins fans should probably get used to the idea that they won’t see RG3 for the rest of the season.